Gaobot.PIJ

It spreads and affects other computers.
It captures certain information entered or saved by the user, with the corresponding threat to privacy.
It uses the infected computer to take malicious actions on other users.
It awaits remote-control orders to carry out.
It uses stealth techniques to avoid being detected by the user.
It spreads
, across the Internet, via IRC, via mapped drives, through shared network resources.

Affected platforms:

Windows 2003/XP/2000/NT/ME/98/95

First detected on:

March 11, 2007

Detection updated on:

March 11, 2007

Statistics

No

Proactive protection:

Yes, using TruPrevent Technologies

Brief Description

Gaobot.PIJ is a worm that spreads by copying itself, without infecting other files.

It captures certain information entered or saved by the user, with the corresponding threat to privacy:
passwords saved by certain Windows services; keystrokes, in order to obtain information for accessing online banking services, passwords and other confidential information.

It sends the gathered information to a remote user by any available means: email, FTP, etc.

It affects productivity, preventing tasks from being carried out:

In the affected computer:
it converts the computer into a platform for taking malicious action surreptitiously: spam sending, launch of Denial of Service attacks, malware distribution, etc.

It reduces the security level of the computer:
it awaits remote-control orders received through
IRC.

It uses stealth techniques to avoid being detected by the user:

It uses techniques included in its code to hide itself while it is active.

It terminates processes corresponding to several security tools, such as antivirus programs and firewalls, to prevent detection.

Gaobot.PIJ uses the following propagation or distribution methods:

Exploiting vulnerabilities with the intervention of the user: exploiting vulnerabilities in file formats or applications. To exploit them successfully it needs the intervention of the user: opening files, viewing malicious web pages, reading emails, etc.

Via Internet, exploiting remote vulnerabilities: attacking random IP addresses, in which it tries to insert a copy of itself by exploiting one or more vulnerabilities.

IRC: It sends a copy of itself to all users connected to the channel to which the infected user is connected.